The Lemon Index2016 Dodge Charger.
The 2016 Dodge Charger is better than average by owner complaints: 68 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 71, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about body structure, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 16 to 23 mpg combined. The best Dodge Charger year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 182 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Dodge Charger year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 20K to 74K miles on the car (106 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- body structure complaints mostly came at 24K–70K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 14K–94K miles
Recalls 6
- transmission & drivetrain 2018
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
- electrical 2018
These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging.
- transmission & drivetrain 2018
The front driveshaft universal joint may seize or fracture causing the shaft to detach from the vehicle.
Show all 6 recalls
- equipment 2017
A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf.
- transmission & drivetrain 2017
The front driveshaft bolts may loosen and allow the front driveshaft to disconnect, potentially causing a loss of motive power.
- body structure 2016
When an affected vehicle is lifted using the supplied tire jack without chocking the wheels, the vehicle's body-side sill may give causing the tire jack to fail and the car to fall.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Dodge told dealers about
Dodge sent dealers 275 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Electric Power Steering Gear For LA, LD and LX Models ONLY; Before this part is replaced for:…
- Pentastar Oil Filter Adapter All vehicles equipped with a 3.2L or 3.6L engine; If replacing…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge Charger 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Dodge Charger 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Dodge Charger SRT 4 DR RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2800–5000 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Inside door paneling lifting off making it difficult to lock/ unlock. Being told this is a very common problem with the Dodge chargers. Very expensive to replace
2016 Dodge Charger owner · NHTSA complaint 11288747
More owner reports
Inside driver's side door panel is coming off. Separated from the door frame 5 days after buying the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint 11099384
The door panels are coming off. It looks ugly. The integrity of the panels is lifting apart from side of the doors. Car gets used this is occurring because of the heat.
NHTSA complaint 11218553
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Dodge Charger reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.4× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 71; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Dodge Charger year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2016 Dodge Charger problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are body structure (19%), fuel or ev drive system (16%) and engine (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Dodge Charger have?
6 safety recalls (latest: transmission & drivetrain). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Dodge Charger get?
16 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Dodge Charger safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Dodge Charger problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 20,400 and 74,500 miles. The middle report was at 43,500 miles, from 106 complaints.
Does the 2016 Dodge Charger have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2016 Dodge Charger cost in fuel a year?
About $2800 to $5000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Dodge Charger have?
3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl.
What Dodge Charger year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2020 and 2021.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works